Ben Stiller Opens Up About Family, Career, and the Lessons Learned Along the Way
Actor Ben Stiller is reflecting on his life and career, sharing insights about his family, his parents, and the challenges of balancing work and family.
In his upcoming documentary about his parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, titled “Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost,” Stiller admits to a decision he regrets. He told his daughter, Ella, that cutting her from his film “Secret Life of Walter Mitty” was “probably the worst decision I ever made in my life.”
Stiller’s documentary explores the lives of his parents, a successful comedy duo from a previous generation. He also touches on his own experiences growing up with parents who were often working.
“I think the deeper that you go into learning about your parents, and not about them as parents but just as people, always gives you a different perspective on your own life,” Stiller said. He feels that delving into their lives has given him more empathy for them.
Stiller also spoke about his own parenting, admitting that he “probably messed up more with my kids than my parents did with us.” He acknowledged that balancing work and family can be difficult, especially when children are young.
Stiller and his wife, Christine Taylor, have been open about their relationship, including a period of separation. They reunited after quarantining together during the pandemic.
Stiller says their time apart gave them a fresh perspective on their marriage. “We don’t take it for granted anymore,” he said. “And if you are happy, you’re going to be a better parent.”
